Puppy Linux turns to Ubuntu for version 5.0

By Eric Brown
2010-05-24

Article Rating:

/ 2

Rate This Article:

Add This Article To:

The Puppy Linux project has released version 5.0 of its fast, small-footprint Linux distro, basing it on Ubuntu for the first time. Puppy Linux 5.0 is built from Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx binary packages, offers a new "Quickpet" application suite, introduces a choice of web browsers, and can now boot to the desktop, say the developers.

Code-named "Lup," or "Lucid Puppy," Puppy Linux 5.0 is "typically Puppy, lean and fast, friendly and fun," claims the project. The project made no size claims about Lucid Puppy as far as we could see, but last fall's Puppy Linux 4.3 was small enough to fit in RAM, taking up about 105MB to 110MB. Puppy is widely admired by those who like their Linux distros fast and lean.

Puppy Linux 5.0 is the mainstream member of a growing family of Puppy Linux variations built on the project's "Woof" build system. Introduced in November 2008, and joined last year with a related Puppy Package Manager (PPM), Woof can build a Puppy variant from the packages of any Linux distro, including Debian, Ubuntu, Arch, Slackware, and T2, according to the project.

Other recently released Puppy variants include a Quirky 1.0 release intended as an experimental sandbox for new Puppy ideas. There is also a FatDog64 version, which is said to be optimized for Intel 64-bit x86 and compatible CPUs (see diagram below).

Puppy Linux 5.0 is the latest of a number of Puppy variations built from the Woof build system.
(Click to enlarge)

Aside from adding the new Ubuntu Linux 10.04 ("Lucid Lynx") foundation, Puppy Linux 5.0 debuts a new Quickpet collection of Linux productivity and entertainment program. The applications, which include Gimp (image editor), Kompozer (Web development), Songbird music player (which will soon lose official support for the Linux version), are "configured and tested, available with a single click," says the project.

For the first time, Puppy users get a choice in web browsers, says the project. Available for one-click installation are Firefox, Seamonkey, Chromium, and Opera, and users can load and install other browsers, as well.

Puppy Linux 5.0 is also said to be the first version of Puppy to boot directly to the desktop. In addition it offers new tools to personalize the distribution, including language and locale customizations. Pre-installed applications that open immediately in the user's language of choice, include Abiword (word processor), Gnumeric (spreadsheet), Geany (text editor, and the Chromium browser , says the project.

A "Simple Network Setup" config tool for connecting to the Internet via wired and wireless devices is now available, says the project. Version 5.0 is also said to debut a streamlined bugfix updating function.

Other new features and major fixes that are available in Puppy Linux 5.0, and most of the new Woof-based Puppy variants since Puppy 4.3, are said to include:

Improvements in the implementation of the Aufs layered filesystem
Improved automatic detection and configuration of analog and 3G modems
Samba printing issues resolved
Xorg Wizard enhanced with improved detection and configurability options
Improvements and bugfixes for bootup and shutdown scripts
Recovery after improper shutdown (such as power failure)
Single location for GPL licenses
Integrated handling of all network setup tools
New small GUI utilities
Improved PET package creation and package management tools
Some system utility scripts improved
System services can now be enabled or disabled
Improved hardware detection and localization in the initramfs
Woof hosted on Bones version management system
Major enhancements to the Woof build scripts, plus new Woof GUI and logo

Version 4.3 release featured a brief return of Puppy Linux creator Barry Kauler to an active coordinator role. Yet after overseeing the development of version 4.3, as well as Woof and PPM, Kauler has retreated to the background. Instead, chief developer Mick Amadio and coordinator Larry Short led the way on Lucid Puppy with the help of "the entire Puppy community," says the project.

Availability

The Puppy Linux 5.0 announcement and release notes may be found here, and Barry Kauler's blog announcement should be here.

Related Stories:

	Discuss Puppy Linux turns to Ubuntu for version 5.0

	>>> Be the FIRST to comment on this article!



	>>> More News Articles >>> More By Eric Brown

Email Article To Friend ♦ Print Version Of Article ♦ PDF Version Of Article

FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.

Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.

Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.

Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.

Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.